Ghana: Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission condemns Imams elections violence

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission has condemned as un-Islamic and a heinous rejection of guidelines provided by Holy Prophet Muhammad, all acts of violence that attended the recent elections of Imams in Nandom in the Upper West Region.

A statement issued by the Mission, signed by the General Secretary Alhaj Abbass Wilson, said the violent acts between two Muslim groups constitute a threat to peace that should not be countenanced.

Below is the full statement by the mission

PRESS STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE IN NANDOM OVER THE APPOINTMENT OF IMAM

Reports of violence between two Muslim groups over the appointment of an Imam for a mosque at Nandom in the Upper West Region have been received by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission with utmost sadness. The Mission is grieved that the violence at Nandom over Imamship resulting in injuries to fellow Muslims in that town was not the first but the latest in what has become a ghastly pattern in many parts of the country.

In some cases regrettably, Government had been compelled to close down mosques following disagreement and resultant violence over the choice of Imams. That the selection of an imam of a religion, whose name itself means peace, is characterized by violence defies understanding and sends worrying signals about Islam.

The Holy Quran and the Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, provide clear guidelines for election of persons to positions of trust, and in particular, that of Imams. For the election of an Imam, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spelt out three criteria: knowledge of Islamic teachings, piety of the persons and seniority in terms of age, in situations where the candidates possess the first two requirements in equal measure.